Mathematics is a subject that is vital for gaining a better perspective
on events that occur in the natural world. A keen aptitude for math
improves critical thinking and promotes problem-solving abilities.
One specific area of mathematical and geometrical reasoning is trigonometry
which studies the properties of triangles. Now it's true that triangles
are one of the simplest geometrical figures, yet they have varied
applications. The primary application of trigonometry is found in
scientific studies where precise distances need to be measured.
The techniques in trigonometry are used for finding relevance in
navigation particularly satellite systems and astronomy, naval and
aviation industries, oceanography, land surveying, and in cartography
(creation of maps). Now those are the scientific applications of the
concepts in trigonometry, but most of the math we study would seem
(on the surface) to have little real-life application. So is trigonometry
really relevant in your day to day activities? You bet it is. Let's
explore areas where this science finds use in our daily activities
and how we can use this to resolve problems we might encounter. Although
it is unlikely that one will ever need to directly apply a trigonometric
function in solving a practical issue, the fundamental background
of the science finds usage in an area which is passion for many -
music! As you may be aware sound travels in waves and this pattern
though not as regular as a sine or cosine function, is still useful
in developing computer music. A computer cannot obviously listen to
and comprehend music as we do, so computers represent it mathematically
by its constituent sound waves. And this means that sound engineers
and technologists who research advances in computer music and even
hi-tech music composers have to relate to the basic laws of trigonometry.
Trigonometry finds a perfect partner in modern architecture. The
beautifully curved surfaces in steel, stone and glass would be impossible
if not for the immense potential of this science. So how does this
work actually. In fact the flat panels and straight planes in the
building are but at an angle to one another and the illusion is that
of a curved surface. Neat huh!
Digital imaging is another real life application of this marvelous
science. Computer generation of complex imagery is made possible by
the use of geometrical patterns that define the precise location and
color of each of the infinite points on the image to be created. The
image is made detailed and accurate by a technique referred to as
triangulation. The edges of the triangles that form the image make
a wire frame of the object to be created and contribute to a realistic
picture. Several imaging technologies that apply the concepts of trigonometry
find usage in medicine. The next time you go in for an advanced scanning
procedure, be sure to check out how the sine and cosine functions
you learn at school find a practical application is medical techniques
such as CAT and MRI scanning, in detecting tumors and even in laser
treatments. Whoever said studying math has only an academic value!
Need other reasons to know how formulae in trigonometry make life
easier for you? Now we all use patterns and symmetry in relating to
objects around us. For instance there is a need for harmony and symmetrical
agreement even if you are just redecorating your home. You need to
be sure about angles and positioning when deciding lighting arrangements.
And although you won't need to write out sine formulae for this one,
you will still be using the basic laws of triangles in deciding the
best angle to show off that trendy lamp on your study table!
Did you know that trigonometry is an arty science that can be used
to measure the heights of mountains? So why would we want to measure
the heights of mountains. Because this information is of great value
for aircraft designing and navigation. And if this sounds overly technical
think about the time when you last took a vacation at a hill station.
You might be surprised how much this information comes in handy to
tourists, for example those with medical conditions that prevent them
from traveling to very high altitudes. So the nest time you want to
go trekking you might want to know the actual altitude you might be
traversing.
Learning math sure makes us smart and adept at solving tricky situations.
From tacking brain-teasers and jigsaws to the more complex crises,
the application of basic laws of math and geometry are many. Not only
does math provide a strong basis for resolving everyday issues, it
undoubtedly helps handle situations with a positive approach.